Green Building Features - Sustainable Building Design

Features Benefits Examples
Passive heating Uses the sun to heat interior space in a building in cooler months, thus reducing the need to mechanically heat the building French Broad Food Co-Op in Downtown Asheville
Passive cooling Uses trees, angled eves and natural ventilation to prevent the sun from warming a building in warmer months, reducing the need to mechanically cool the building Eco Dorm at Warren Wilson College
Sustainable water use Using less potable water reduces the amount of fresh water taken out of aquifers, rivers and reservoirs
  • Low flow shower heads
  • Low flow faucets
  • Gray water recycling
  • Dual flush toilets
  • Rain barrels
Low impact on surrounding environment Respect of surrounding environment allows other living beings to enjoy a more natural environment
  • Green roof
  • Minimal paving
  • Small building footprint